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Chapter Two
The Explanation
Merlin listened for the men to dismount. There was knock on the door.
He opened the door with his magic, and could hear the tentative steps Arthur and his knights took.
"It doesn't look like a house a powerful sorcerer lives in. It looks normal."
Merlin smiled. Leave it to Gwaine to make a comment on the living conditions.
"Maybe because he or she is a good person and they've been trying to protect themselves from the wrath of my father," Arthur answered.
"Or maybe it's a way to deceive us," Leon added.
"Leon, this sorcerer saved my life," Arthur said.
Merlin smiled, listening as they explored the front room of the house.
"Hello? Anybody home?" Arthur called out.
Merlin had his sword tucked into his belt, and decided it was time to reveal himself. With a quick brush through his wind-tousled hair, he decided to make his presence known and stepped out into the room with his King and the knights.
Five pairs of eyes were on him. A look of confusion was also evident on their faces.
"Merlin?" Gwaine asked.
Merlin smiled, crossing his arms over his chest, "Hello Gwaine."
"Did you beat us here? We didn't see your horse?" Gwaine asked, trying to make since of the situation.
Merlin chuckled, "I did. I arrived here just after dawn, actually. My horse is in the stable behind the house."
"Have you met the sorcerer then?" Arthur asked.
"I've kind of known the sorcerer all along," Merlin admitted.
"You what?" Arthur asked.
"I know who he is because we're kind of the same person," Merlin answered. To prove his point he shut the door, from where he was, to reveal the gold flash of his eyes to the others.
The knights all stiffened, their hands on the hilts of their swords at the display of magic being used unabashedly. It was out of reflex, and Merlin realized that. They were distrustful of it because all they've ever seen was were wielders of magic with ill intent.
A look of understanding crossed Arthur's face, while also looking upset. "You lied to me."
Merlin sighed, "I didn't have a choice, did I? If I would have said anything, I would have burned at the stake alive."
"How do you know that?" Arthur demanded.
"Because if I was selfish enough to tell you than I would put you into a compromising position. It was better if I waited until you were King," Merlin snapped.
"But you still used magic. You used it to help me," Arthur said.
"Arthur, all I've ever done is use my magic for you, to protect you."
"Protect?" Arthur asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone..
Merlin's eyes flashed in annoyance, "There are forces in this kingdom, and others that you mortal humans are not able to fight. You can fight sword to sword, but can you really fight a sword with magic? No. That's where I come in, and it's the whole point of our destiny, Arthur."
"You used magic when we went to save Gwen," Elyan said.
Merlin nodded, "I had to."
"You healed Gwen's father, too," Leon said.
"I did. She was suffering, and all I wanted to do was comfort her," Merlin answered.
"Looks like you used magic for other things, too," Arthur said distantly.
Merlin looked at Arthur sharply, approaching him. "Like I said, Arthur, there are forces out there that you are defenseless against. Gwen's father was cursed, and I could heal him. Don't think for one second that I didn't do the same for you."
"How do you mean?" Percival asked.
"I have saved his life more times than you all think," Merlin answered, glaring at Arthur, daring him to ask how many times.
"Oh man, if only Lancelot were here," Gwaine joked.
"Lancelot knew," Merlin deadpanned.
"Lancelot knew?" Arthur asked.
"Is that jealousy, I hear?" Merlin smirked.
"Of course not, but you trusted Lancelot over me?"
"Of course. He wasn't going to stick me into a bonfire."
"He's got a point," Percival said.
"Shut up," Arthur said.
"Alright, Merlin, show us more," Gwaine said.
Merlin chuckled, murmuring a soft incantation into his closed fist, he stretched it out and opened it, revealing fire. The others looked at the magic with interest, while Arthur looked at it with distrust.
"So, what else have you been up to, while we all thought you were a simple-minded manservant?" Gwaine teased.
"I'm a dragonlord, immortal, and somehow, my destiny is intertwined with this prat," Merlin answered, pointing to his king.
"You're a dragonlord?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, Balinor was my father," Merlin said.
"That's why you were so upset," Arthur clarified.
"Yes," he answered.
"You were the one who got the dragon to leave. It was never me," Arthur said.
"Yes, I did." Merlin said.
"Why didn't you give yourself the credit?"
"Then I would have to explain myself. And I don't help others and protect the kingdom I love for credit. I do it because it's the right thing to do."
"You sound holier than thou, Merlin," Arthur said.
"I guess you don't understand the temptation of wielding a power so great that you control the intent of it," Merlin responded.
"I am a King, Merlin, I'm sure I understand perfectly fine," Arthur said.
"Yes, but see, you were born into your status, weren't you? You were taught and instructed on the fundamentals that Camelot holds true to her very foundation. You were able to learn right from wrong by your father. He influenced the very nature of what kind of King you would be. You were able to express to others that you were the Prince Arthur. You were able to bask in your glorious wins through feasts and dances. You never had to hide. So tell me, how burdensome is your power?"
Arthur sighed, and the knights looked at each other nervously. They had never seen the young manservant lose his cool with Arthur, and they couldn't help but agree with what he had to say.
"I was born with this power. I had to learn how to control it at a very young age and keep it a secret from everyone. I didn't have the tools to practice and improve my abilities because I was essentially outlawed. I had to find a way to control myself by doing things the hard way, the human way. I had to conform to the society your father wanted as his people. Knowing that, I still came to Camelot, a place that I heard great stories of. She lived up to my expectations, but the rulers in command shamed her legacy."
"How dare you! That's treason!" Arthur shouted.
"Because it's the truth? Camelot was built with magic! Magic runs in her walls, her foundation, her very being. She gives the earth life and protects her people from her enemies. She breathes in the gold and offers her people prosperity and full stomachs. To outlaw magic is to outlaw the very state of Camelot! It's hypocrisy, Arthur!" Merlin said, approaching the King.
"You're saying this because you want me to legalize magic," Arthur said.
"No, you dollophead, I'm saying this because you need to come to that conclusion on your own. You need to judge whether bringing magic back to Camelot will be best for her. Just know that the sorcerers who are good, like Gaius, don't practice it in respect of the law and fear of the consequences, which leaves the bad ones out there practicing it and strengthening their abilities. When they finally decide to attack Camelot, she will be defenseless. There are two sides to this coin, you decide which one to take. Will it be the bane of Camelot? Or will she follow the path of her destiny in uniting Albion in a land of freedom and peace?"
Arthur stared at Merlin, before turning to Leon, "Leave us. Water the horses."
"Yes, sire," Leon answered. The four knights shuffled out of the small room.